Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has announced a temporary reduction in official working hours for public servants in the state in observance of the ongoing Ramadan and Lent fasting periods. The move is aimed at supporting workers during this dual season of spiritual reflection and prayer.

The new schedule, which will take effect from Thursday, February 19, 2026, was outlined in a circular issued by the Office of the Head of Service, Ayanleye Aina. Titled “Closure of Work During Ramadan and Lent Fasting Periods,” the document explains that civil servants will close work at 2:00 p.m. from Monday to Thursday and at 1:00 p.m. on Fridays for the duration of the two holy seasons.

Governor Adeleke said the gesture forms part of his administration’s welfare support for workers, giving them more time for prayer, rest and personal reflection as they observe the fasting periods. He also noted that the adjustment could help promote peace and tranquillity across the state, particularly as Osun prepares for its gubernatorial election later this year.

Support for Workers and Inclusivity

While the new schedule benefits most civil servants, essential service workers, especially medical personnel, are excluded from the arrangement to ensure that critical services remain uninterrupted. Hospitals and other frontline facilities will continue their normal work routines to maintain health services and emergency responses across the state.

The directive also calls on all political office holders, accounting officers of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as local government authorities, to ensure that the revised work hours are widely publicised and implemented within their teams.